24 May, 2010

Marathi Natya-Sangeet - Annasaheb Kirloskar

Natya-Sangeet is form of Indian Classical and Semi-Classical Music. As per name it literally means Dramatic Act with Music. It is one of most popular type of Music in State of Maharashtra in India.

Natya-Sangeet has a vast history. There is a common misconception of Annasaheb Kirloskar as Pioneer in the Sangeet Nataks. But in 1879, Playwright and Producer Trilokeker (त्रिलोकेकर) presented his Sangeet Natak Nal-Damayanti (नल-दमयन्ती) which was the first Sangeet Natak on Marathi Stage.

Then came the Era of Balwant Pandurang or more commonly known as Annasaheb Kirloskar (अण्णासाहेब किर्लोस्कर), born in 1843, a school teacher from Belgaum, staged his first Musical Play Sangeet-Shakuntal (संगीत शाकुन्तल) on 31st October, 1880. Sangeet-Shakuntal was inspired from Abhidnyan Shakuntal (अभिज्ञानशाकुंतलं), a renowned Sanskrit Play by Kalidas (कालिदास). Sangeet-Shakuntal had an incredible 211 Musical Pieces of mixed Hindustani and Karnataki Classical Music with a hint of Lighter Music.

After a success of Sangeet-Shakuntal, next came Sangeet-Saubhadra (संगीत सौभद्र) in 1882. Annasaheb Kirloskar again acted in the play like Sangeet-Shakuntal. Sangeet-Saubhadra contained well over 100 Musical Pieces and surpassed the popularity of Sangeet-Shakuntal because of its multifaceted quality.

Ram Rajya Wiyog (राम राज्य वियोग) was presented next by Kirloskar in 1884. Audiences got to see first 3 acts of this Sangeet Natak. But before Kirloskar could finish the planned remaining 3 acts, sadly he died in 1885 at the age of 42.